00:00The International Criminal Court opens today, Monday, February 23rd,
00:05the confirmation of charges hearing against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
00:09The hearing begins at 10 a.m. in The Hague, or 5 p.m. in Manila, before pretrial Chamber 1.
00:15This pretrial stage will determine whether the case will proceed to a full trial.
00:20Pretrial Chamber 1 is composed of presiding Judge Yulia Antoinella Motoc,
00:24along with Judges Reina Adelaide Sofi Alapini Gansu and Maria del Socorro Flores Liera.
00:31Proceedings are scheduled on February 23rd, 24th, 26th and 27th,
00:36and will be conducted in Duterte's absence after the Chamber granted his request to waive his right to appear.
00:42The ICC clarified that his absence is based on a written waiver and not on health grounds.
00:48The Duterte family also announced that several Filipino lawyers, who are former members of his Cabinet,
00:54will attend the hearing to ensure he is represented by a Filipino legal team.
00:59Among those named are former Executive Secretary Salvador Medeovdea,
01:03former LTFRB Chairman Martin Del Gras III,
01:07former Labor Secretary Silvestre Bellio III,
01:10former PAGCORP President and CEO Alfredo Lim Jr.,
01:14former BIR Commissioner Cesar Dulay,
01:17and former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Palace Spokesman Salvador Panelo.
01:22The court stressed that the confirmation of charges hearing is not a trial.
01:28Judges will not rule on Duterte's guilt or innocence,
01:31but will decide whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds that he committed the crimes charged.
01:39If the charges are confirmed, the case will move to a trial chamber.
01:43Judges will have up to 60 days after the hearings to issue their decision.
01:47During the proceedings, the prosecution, the defense, and the legal representatives of victims will present oral arguments.
01:54A total of 539 victims have been authorized to participate at this stage.
01:59Duterte faces allegations of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder,
02:04in connection with the government's anti-drug campaign from 2011 to 2019.
02:11The confirmation of charges hearing marks a critical step in one of the most closely watched international cases involving a
02:18former Philippine leader.
02:20For more information, visit our website at www.com.argu.com.
02:25For more information on Facebook and video, visit www.com.argu.gov.
02:29For more information on Facebook and video, visit www.com.argu.com.
02:34We'll see you willingly contact the website at www.com.argu.com.
Comments